PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

JUNE Mar Fajardo confirmed what people saw online during Gilas Pilipinas’ first game in the FIBA Basketball World Cup – that he was hit by a sneaky punch from Dominican Republic big man Angel Delgado on Friday night.

Fajardo admitted he was surprised that Delgado punched him in the abdomen area while running down the floor in the fourth quarter of Gilas Pilipinas’ 87-81 loss to Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena.

“Oo nga,” said Fajardo when asked about the Delgado punch after Gilas Pilipinas held practice on Saturday night on the eve of their next game against Angola.

Fajardo said he doesn’t know why Delgado would hit him, and insisted he didn’t do anything to provoke the former NBA player.

“Hindi ko nga alam eh. Tumatakbo lang ako tapos sinuntok niya ako,” said the soft-spoken Fajardo.

Photo by: Jerome Ascano

No whistle was blown and play continued after the hit by Delgado.

After the hit, the six-time PBA MVP was seen pointing angrily at Delgado but didn’t retaliate or initiate a fight despite being visibly wincing in pain, an act that fans said is typical to Fajardo.

The San Miguel big man said he was so focused on the game that the thought of retailiating didn’t even cross his mind.

“Hindi worth it ‘yun eh,” said Fajardo. “Hindi naman (nawala sa focus). Siyempre, parang nayanig [din ako]. Ang laki nun eh. Hindi naman maliit ‘yun.”

“Kailangan focus lang sa game,” said Fajardo.